Saratov
a city of Russia, on the Volga; 500 miles S. E. of Moscow. It is a city of broad streets and fine squares, and stands on terraces rising from the river. There are nearly 30 churches; a handsome new cathedral (1825), an old cathedral (1697), and Radistcheff's Museum, sheltering a fine art gallery and a library. Prior to the World War it had manufactures of brandy, liquors, flour, oil, and tobacco. Fishing was prosecuted in the river, and market gardening (especially fruit and the sunflower) in the vicinity. There was an important trade in corn, salt, iron, wooden wares, textiles, and groceries. The city was pillaged by Pugatcheff in 1774 and suffered severely from fire several times during the 19th century. Pop. about 235,500.